Matariki has arrived and a group of children at Rotorua's Elstree Kindergarten are celebrating with stories, food and whanau.
A puppeteer who incorporated Maori into his work has been invited to perform and entertain the children with legends of Matariki, songs and dance today.
Head Teacher Gillian Bennett was excitedfor the kids to experience what would be, for some, their first Matariki celebration.
"There's not a lot that they know about Matariki. Our celebration will make it easy for them to get a handle on how important the Maori New Year is and lets them celebrate what's unique to the Maori culture," she said. The children have been preparing all week for the celebration by making stars which have been hung all around the kindergarten.
They have also been learning Maori waiata and a haka which Mrs Bennett said would be an "absolute treat" when the families go in to join in the festivities.
"We even have one of the dads coming in at 8am to cook the hangi for everyone," Mrs Bennett said.
The menu included the hangi, rewana bread and ice cream with steam pudding.
The puppeteer was to perform in te reo and in English and was to help to reinforce the point of what Matariki means. The celebrations start at 12.15pm.
